Seghe, Solomon Islands – A Hub of Scuba-Diving, Exploring Jungles And Village Experiences!

Seghe is the smell of the surf, the scent of petrichor in the breeze, sun-warmed sands and dense, vibrant forests. A veritable paradise in the South Pacific that retains its charm and beauty, discover this non-touristy haven with your partner, check out what to do and places to visit in our blog.

Experiences around Marovo Lagoon

When in Seghe, water-based activities and attractions are the order of the day! Swim and snorkel near the beach or go kayaking across Marovo Lagoon’s glassy waters. A double-barrier lagoon, Marovo is encircled by two layers of coral reefs shielding it from waves, making for superbly tranquil waters. Spread over roughly 150 sq km, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to approximately 500 varieties of corals and upwards of 1,000 species of aquatic life including manta rays, reef sharks, green turtles and critically endangered hawksbill turtles. Even dugongs have been spotted in the waters!

Given the rich biodiversity, it should not be surprising that Marovo offers some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world! For starters, Kicha Island remains a steadfast favourite with enthusiastic divers and veterans alike! It boasts of vibrant soft and hard coral gardens, steep drop-offs and excellent visibility. This site is not recommended for first-timers and newbies, who should check out Wickham Island. The site showcases diverse coral formations with walls covered in colourful sponges. However, deep dives are recommended only for veterans. Mbulo Caves is another site recommended for divers with medium to advanced skills. Divers need to navigate enclosed spaces and narrow tunnels to reach the spot… but the end result is well worth the effort. During the day, sunlight streams through the caves, creating an otherworldly and ethereal atmosphere. There are many more dive sites to explore, but more on that on our upcoming blog. Stay tuned and bookmark our Solomon Islands travel blogs!

While corals are a definitive draw – when it comes to dives, guests should note that there are fabulous wrecks in these waters too! At one end of a submerged runway in the Marovo lagoon lies an inverted Dauntless Dive Bomber – a staple of World War II. Not far away lies the ruins of a P-38 Lightning fighter. This plane lies right side up in some 30 feet of water. And 65 years of it being submerged has given its cockpit an eerie dinosaur-ish visage. 

Charms of the remote East Rennell

Then, travellers in Seghe will definitely want to sample the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site of East Rennell. The largest raised coral atoll in the world, it is famous for its unique biodiversity and remarkable ecological significance. East Rennell hosts a wide variety of endemic life and is also home to the largest insular lake in the Pacific – Lake Tegano. Locally called Te Nggano, it remains an ecotourist’s delight. Do note that the site is rather remote and requires a fair amount of travelling to reach.

Hopping over to Njari

Guests can also make their way to the nearby island of Njari, approx 35 kilometres north of Seghe.  Njari is practically unspoilt, with very little human occupation and its waters are renowned for diving and snorkelling. The waters around Njari are populated with Japanese WWII relics, as well as soft and hard corals. A must-do in Njari – visit the dive site called the ‘Grand Central Station’! Also, learn about the underwater conservation and the community efforts undertaken to restore Njari post the devastating earthquake of 2007.

Seghe – An Angler’s Heaven

Seghe’s waters are teeming with coastal and pelagic species, making it a veritable anglers’ paradise! Expect skipjack and yellowfin tunas, red bass, snappers and mahimahi on the hook. A day of recreational fishing ends with a barbecue on the beach where guests and their fishing buddies can enjoy the catch of the day, freshly grilled to perfection.

Unique cultural immersions in Seghe, Solomon Islands

The locals have developed a harmonious way of life, building a mutualistic relationship with the Marovo Lagoon. Locals not only engage in traditional fishing, but have spearheaded conservation efforts for years. Also, subsistence farming is another beautiful facet of life – taking only so much from nature as is required to sustain oneself and functioning as custodians of the natural bounty as a form of payment. The villages around Seghe, such as the Chuchulu, are famous for their woodwork. The craftsmen display deft craftsmanship, using Melanesian motifs and symbols to transform timber into fantastic masks, statues and more. Also worth witnessing is how villagers use sustainable local materials to weave baskets, bags and hats.

Then, enjoy the many tales and folklore, the vibrant dances and tribal rhythms. Finish off with a tour of indigenous cooking techniques still used and get to sample some authentic staples like Poi and Cassava pudding.

Sampling Seghe’s Island Time, One Solomons Islands Holiday At A Time

Should all the fun and frolic get a tad tiring, guests can easily take a break from it all and opt to spend a day at the beach doing nothing. Laze in the shade of the palms, sunbathe, enjoy back-to-back siestas in the hammocks with cool winds soothing you and the sound of waves lull you back into a sleep, now that’s recharging. Go off on an old-fashioned picnic on the beach and enjoy a scenic sunset. Gently kayak across the island’s serene waters, soaking in the ambience. Seghe’s rainforests present an unmissable opportunity for relaxed hiking. Birdwatchers can catch a glimpse of the Solomon Eagle and Red-Knobbed Imperial Pigeon. Seghe can just be as idyllic as it can be exciting.

Book your Solomon Island holiday, of course! Away from the humdrum of more touristy South Pacific jaunts, a trip to Solomon Islands is all about being in touch with nature and exploring its many secrets. And Seghe stands out as a blissfully remote, yet exciting offering in the Solomons. For more on everything South Pacific browse our blogs or head on over to Solomon Islands Hot Deals to see what’s trending this season. Feel like talking to someone about your travel idea? Call our South Pacific Specialists at 1300 991 751!